Download Introduction to Grade 8 English

Terms to Know
Introduction to Grade 8 English
Linguistics is the study of language.
Language is a series of sounds in which words represent an idea, object, or person; communication.
English as a Subject is where you learn how to communicate well.
Word Association is the association of an object (noun) or action (verb) with a word.
Language Barrier is failed communication because one person does not understand the language used.
Phonetics is the study/classification of speech sounds.
Pronunciation is saying a word correctly.
Semantics is the meaning of words (AKA vocabulary; AKA definitions).
Lexicon refers to all the words in a language.
Etymology is the origin and/or history of a word.
e.g.
Sarah →Hebrew →Princess
Diction refers to choice and use of words in communication.
Grammar refers to the study of structural relationships in a language.
Punctuation refers to marks used in writing to separate sentences and their elements and to clarify meaning.
Syntax is the order of words to make a sentence.
Literacy is the ability to read and write.
Mnemonic is a device used to assist memory.
e.g.
Never Eat Shredded Wheat
Discourse is another word for conversation.
Periphrasis is a wordy way of saying something; avoid this when communicating.
Tautology is repeating the same idea/meaning in a sentence; avoid this when communicating.
e.g.
Call now and receive a free gift.
Homonym is a word identical to another word in spelling or sound or both but different in meaning.
e.g.
They’re going over there to get in their car.
Ambiguity is communication open to different interpretations.
e.g.
If the children don’t like the toys, get rid of them.
Oxymoron is a phrase that contradicts itself.
e.g.
The small giant…
Hyperbole is exaggeration for the sake of emphasis.
e.g.
My feet are killing me.
Synonym is a word meaning the same as another word.
e.g.
smart & intelligent
Antonym is a word meaning the opposite to another word.
e.g.
good & evil
Jargon refers to technical words and phrases used by one group that are difficult for others to understand.
e.g.
Sternocleidomastoid (medical jargon) refers to the front neck muscles.
Abbreviation is a shortened version of a word ending in a period.
e.g.
Dr. (abbreviation for doctor)
Acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of other words.
e.g.
NHL (acronym for National Hockey League)
Short Message Service is the official name for electronic text messaging; AKA texting.
e.g.
GR8 (SMS for the word great)
Formal Language is communication following proper grammar; considered official.
Informal Language is communication not following proper grammar; considered unofficial.
e.g.
contractions, slang, and colloquialisms
Contraction is when two words are combined into one with the use of an apostrophe.
e.g.
did not becomes didn’t
Slang is informal language common in adolescent speech but not common in writing; lack consistency.
e.g.
What up, dawg?
Colloquialism refers to informal expressions and figures of speech typical in everyday conversation.
e.g.
time flies